LOWER LAKE — Tashee Denson didn”t have any trouble silencing her most vocal critics on Tuesday as the Lower Lake Trojans dropped the first game before winning the next three to hand North Central League I North volleyball favorite Willits its initial league loss, 19-25, 25-20, 25-18, 25-21 at Lower Lake High School.
The critics turned out to be none other than a pair of Lower Lake fans, who directed some disparaging remarks toward the Trojans” talented senior middle hitter, according to coach Danessa Udy.
“I didn”t hear them but Tashee (and another Lower Lake player) mentioned it to me,” Udy said. “That”s just wrong.”
Denson banged out 10 kills to lead the Trojans (2-1), who are tied with Kelseyville (2-1) for the league lead. Willits and Middletown are 1-1.
“And I don”t think it”s the best they can play,” Udy said of the Trojans” big win, one that propels them into the thick of the North race. “We”d like to mix it (the race) up.”
While Denson had her hands full hitting against a formidable Willits front line, the play of Lower Lake setter Christine Powers was no less valuable to the Trojans in their victory, according to Udy.
“She did a great job,” Udy said. “For as poor a passing team as we are, she gets to a lot of balls not a lot of people would get to. And she makes smart decisions with the ball.”
Sara Burns” defense also helped propel the Trojans into the win column.
“She”s been a great addition to our defense,” Udy said.
Veronica Wilder added seven kills.
Lower Lake travels to Mid-dletown on Thursday. Junior varsity action begins at 5 p.m.
